Selection of Jharkhand as focus state at IFFI 2018 is a matter of pride says Dr Sunil Kr Barnwal

Ranchi (By our correspondent): Secretary IPRD Government of Jharkhand Sunil Kumar Barnwal said that selection of Jharkhand
as the focus state for the 49th International Film Festival of India to be held in Goa from November 21 to 28 is a matter of pride for the people of the entire state.

Addressing a press conference today at the Suchana Bhawan he said festival would be held at Maquinez Palace Inox Panjim during which 212 feature films from more than 68 nations would be shown while seven films which were made om Jharkhand included MSD The Untold Story, Death In The Ganj, Ranchi Diaries, Begum Jaan, Mor Gaon Mor Desh, Panclet and Ajab Singh Ki Gajab Kahani will also be shown during the festival. He said that during the festival on November 24 will be celebrated as Jharkhand Day. He said that the main purpose of the state government was to create awareness about the film policy of the state so that filmmakers and people related to filmmaking can be drawn towards Jharkhand and come here to shoot their films as it would also create opportunities for the local artists and make the tourist destination popular. He said that the film sector will slowly generate new employment opportunities.

He said that at the film festival a stall is also being put up where people would be detailed about the film policy of the state. Dr Barnwal said that many films stars included Vidya Balan, Mukesh Bhatt, Ravi Kishan, Vijay Swami, Ashwini Kumar and Yashpal Sharma have been invited to participate in the film festival. Briefing the press Secretary Tourism, Arts and Sports Department Rahul Sharma said that during the event on the occasion of Jharkhand Day on November 24 the cultural groups from Jharkhand would be performing the Nagpuri, Paika and Chhau dances so that people across the globe can know about the art and culture of the state. Those who were also present on the occasion included IPRD Director Ram Lakhan Prasad Gupta and Joint  Secretary of the Tourism Department Rajeev Ranjan.